U.S. law enforcement leaders on Wednesday, Nov. 19 announced the indictment of a former Olympic snowboarder on murder and money laundering charges in connection to alleged drug trafficking into the United States.
Ryan James Wedding, 44, is wanted by the FBI in connection to a “transnational criminal enterprise,” Attorney General Pam Bondi announced, calling the Canadian national a top threat to the United States and “one of the most prolific and violent drug trafficking organizers in the world.”
Alongside FBI Director Kash Patel, Bondi made the joint announcement at the Department of Justice headquarters in Washington D.C. after the government unsealed an indictment against Wedding, charging him with witness intimidation, murder, and money laundering.
A former Olympic snowboarder, Wedding is on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted list for what Bondi called a murderous international drug trafficking operation.
A $15 million reward is being offered by the FBI for his capture.
Wedding is currently the largest distributor of cocaine in Canada, Bondi said, and also reportedly traffics other illegal drugs including fentanyl while collaborating with the Mexican-based Sinaloa cartel, “who is closely protecting him.”
Bondi said Wedding’s organization is responsible for importing 60 metric tons of cocaine to the U.S. from Mexico each year, netting an annual billion dollar profit.
“He’s responsible for a narco terrorism program we have not seen in a long time,” Patel told reporters. “You do not get to be a drug dealer and evade the law.”
More than 35 people have been indicted so far in connection to the case, Patel added.
Ryan Wedding indicted on murder, money laundering charges
Bondi said Wedding stands accused of killing a U.S. federal witness, who was gunned down in a restaurant in Medellin, Columbia, before he could testify against Wedding.
A $2 million reward is also being offered for info leading to those involved in the witness’ murder.
During the investigation, law enforcement recovered nearly $3.2 million in crypto currency and more than $13 million in physical assets have been recovered, Bondi said.
“Drugs are killing our kids… our friends our relatives and this guy is responsible for a tremendous amount of that horror. We will not sit idly by,” Bondi said. “The justice department will use every tool available to catch these monsters.”
What is snowboarder Ryan Wedding charged with?
Federal officials said Ryan Wedding was indicted on the following charges:
- Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine;
- Conspiracy to export cocaine;
- Conspiracy to commit murder in connection with a continuing criminal enterprise and drug crime
- Murder in connection with a continuing criminal enterprise and drug crime;
- Conspiracy to tamper with a witness, victim, or informant;
- Tampering with a witness, victim, or informant;
- Conspiracy to retaliate against a witness, victim, or informant;
- Retaliation against a witness, victim, or informant;
- Conspiracy to launder monetary instruments.
Have you seen Ryan Wedding?
Law enforcement described Wedding as a white man, standing 6 feet 4 inches and weighing 230-250 pounds.
He is known to frequent Mexico, officials said, and speaks English and Spanish.
Anyone with information about Wedding’s whereabouts is asked to call 1-800-CALLFBI or visit tipsfbi.gov.
This story has been updated to add new information.
Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund
